Please help- Engine and some other questions

Technical Area Engine, Transmission, Exhaust etc
2

Hi guys, first off hopefully I’m in the right forum. I’ve a few questions regarding the  car.

1) Cambelt/Timing Belt replacement and cost.
The car is a 2003 model, 1.8 mk2.5. It has done about 93,000 miles and has not had the timing belt replaced  yet.  How much would I be looking to spend for the timing belt kit and where can I get it replaced?
(I was charged 380 to get a starter motor replaced and 240 for the alternator! Prices here in Aber are really high and I wouldnt mind driving a bit to get it changed!) 

2) Engine Cover
While the timing belt is being replaced, I was hoping to get the Engine Cover painted! Should I DIY or is there a proper place I can get it done? (DIY would mean spray painting, was hoping to get it powdercoated so that it would last?)

3) Bushings
With 93k miles on it, I figured the bushings would be nearing its end, should I get it replaced? Did some researched on PU bushings versus rubber. Apparently the Super Pro bushings are maintanence free and would last quite some time. Could someone please update me on the price for the parts and the price to get a workshop to do it?

4)  Remote Central Locking
The car is the Angels variant and doesnt seem to have remote central locking, did some online research and found that people were recommending Visteon 41703. But they are apparently rare and expensive, is there anything else I could use instead? (really like the function where the boot opens from the remote!)

 Would really appreciate any help and thanks in advance! Am pretty worried about the timingbelt! Hopefully I can get it done after my exams (26th of January) for a reasonable price! I wouldnt mind driving to cardiff or birmingham etc to get it done!

Thanks guys,
Jiv 

3

Hi Jiv, I have sent you a PM (personal message) Thumbs up

 

4

 I was going to say give taff a nudge, he is the closest to help with you wayterpump and cam belt, and yes it does need doing.

Engine cover you can do yourself, before you go mad have taff check the bushes, they might be fine, remote C/L…kits can be picked up of the bay of E for under £30 and is somthing you can fit yourself if you can hold a screwdriver and spanner, you will be fine, a Auto spark will charge big money.

If you are thinking of attacking anything yourself, then just ask ,that is what we are here for, and we’ll show and tell you how to do it.

M-m

5

Hi John, thanks for the PM! Just replied you!


M-m,
Thanks mate, I’ll get the waterpump + cambelt done first. Maybe I can get the Remote Central Locking installed at the same time thats being done. Would regular paint last? I mean, the engine cover does get really hot right? I was thinking that a powdercoat may be better in terms of longetivity?

I would actually love a chance to do it myself, to be honest, this is my first car and I’m really into hardware!  But I’m staying in the university accomodation, dont have a garage or enclosed space! (had to change my car battery in the pouring rain!)

 If the guy John recommends in Swansea is ok with it, I’d like to watch and learn while he does the job!


There are a few things I would like to do on my own  to save cost
1) Bleeding the brakes? The brakes do feel a bit spongy
2) Changing the steering wheel (right now, the wheel is too big, it actually hits against my leg whenever I press the clutch!)
3) Changing the Radio head unit.

again, thanks guys, you guys have been extremely helpful, really appreciate it!
Jiv 

6

 It’s a shame you are so far, i would show you, but if you need some voice to talk you through bits ,just shout.

Bleeding your brakes will take two, steering wheels is as easy as swapping a cooling fan on a PC, head unit is as easy as swapping a hard drive, if that is the hardware you mean?

This should help you…

http://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=416

Shout if you need us on the bleeding side.

M-m

7

You can paint the Rocker cover yourself it doesn’t get too hot.  I did this Smile

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M-m!
Wow, yea, now thats what I understand! I’m into building pcs and watercooling! Are you by any chance into that as well? (Prices for parts here as expensive though!)

Where abouts are you guys? I want to check with my Insurance company and see if changing the brakes would affect my Insurance? (I’m 23 this year and just got my UK license last dec, they are pretty strict)

But I wouldnt mind driving around to explore UK during the sem breaks! If I’m able to change the brakes without voiding  my insurance, I’ll prolly bleed it together.

Regarding the steering wheel. I’m two minds about it to be honest.
The main reason why I want to change it is, its too darn big and gets in the way whenever I use the clutch (Steering actually hits against my knees).
However, I’m worried it would void the insurance…  Also, I was looking at the MK3.5 steerings and absolutely love the fact that it has radio controls on it!
But I think the size would be pretty similar to the mk2.5 steering?

Do you have any opinion on this particular steering?
http://www.nengun.com/momo/drifting-steering-wheels
I would have gone for it in a heart beat if they had green trimmings! (Am planning on a green theme for the car. Green radio head unit, green cluster panels etc… :smiley: really dislike the red!)


Nedski!
That looks amazing! What paint did you use? If I do my cover, I’ll prolly go for bright green though :P 

PS: This is pretty stunning!
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8358/8288357386_80d570ec8b.jpg

Nedksi, did you sand it down to bare mental, prime it up before painting or did u just degrease it and painted on top?

9

Hey guys

I spoked to John, am waiting for a few comfirmation before I can get the  Timing belt done.

I’ve a few questions though.

1) Remote Central Locking 

a) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/KEYLESS-REMOTE-CENTRAL-LOCKING-KIT-MX5-RX7-RX8-626-323-/230482794860?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item35a9d8596c

b)http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/central-locking-mk1225-p-131.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_campaign=googlebase&gclid=COb0ktG8hrUCFW3KtAodbmsABw

Would they work for the mx5 (mk2.5 2003 model)? Should I go for the first  or the second one? The one from mx5parts is about 25pounds more. Is it worth the extra cost? Also, is it possible to use my phone as a remote? (Got a quote for remote start for 800+ pounds that works on the phone, but thats way too expensive for me at this stage)

  1. Painting Engine Cover/ Brake Calipers

I’m planning on painting it Kawasaki Green. Would I be better off powder-coating it or painting it? I’m worried about the paint cracking due to the heat?  If you guys think I should just paint it, could you recommend a good brand of paint?  Also, would I have to sand it down and get a self-etching primer?  
My calipers are rusty as can be.  Its literally brown with rust at the moment…

  1. Steering wheel.
    Like I mentioned above, am planning to get a smaller wheel (current one is about 42cm, too big and hits my knee ), so far, the Momo Drift steering wheel seems nice, but they dont sell any in green. (Would like it to match the kawasaki green if possible, maybe a bit darker)

    and lastly guys, does anyone know what rims are these?
    http://chivethethrottle.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/ppt-01_22_13-920-26.jpg?w=920&h=690

    I really love the deep dish rims! Would they fit on an mx5?

    Thanks a lot in advance!
    Jiv

 

10

 Slow down man, one job at a time, you water pump,cam belt etc needs doing first…

Now Remote C/L

This is all i use…  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Car-Remote-Central-Keyless-Entry-Locking-Kit-/271089697503?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Safety_Security&hash=item3f1e3482df&_uhb=1

Now what are you upgrading your brakes to???

M-m

 

11

Hi Mazda-mender,

Thanks!
I spoke to John, but he isnt available just yet and would prolly need sometime. Will also check with the local garages, do you know anyone around Chester, Birmingham, Liverpool that might be able to do the timing belt + water pump?

Also, are these all the things I need to get the waterpump + timing belt changed? Would order them tomorrow.

a)  http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/camshaft-timing-belt-complete-mk1225-p-216.html

b)  http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/camshaft-seal-mk1225-p-242.html

c)  http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/crankshaft-front-seal-mk1225-p-244.html<o:p></o:p>

d)  http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/waterpump-aftermarket-mk225-p-246.html<o:p></o:p>

e) http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/waterpump-bypass-pipe-ring-mk1225-p-1042.html<o:p></o:p>

f) http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/standard-concentated-mobil-antifreeze-1ltr-p-1595.html<o:p></o:p>

 
 2) Central Locking
 That unit seems cool! Does it unlock the boot? Is that possible? I’ll place the order for the remote central locking along with the timing belt set, if its possible, I’d like to get them done at the same time

3) Brakes
I dont plan on changing them just yet. Would just like to paint the calipers so that they dont look so rusty!  But I was considering either doing the BBR Turbo kit in 2 years (when I turn 25 for insurance reasons) or just installing a nice 4-pot Brembo brake set! (My friend says this is serious overkill for the mx-5 though?) 

Thanks,
Jiv 

12

 P.M sent

The remote kit will be for the doors only,not the boot.

Your friend is right, slow down, drive her first and enjoy, ugrade as you go, where you feel it is needed for your way of driving.

M-m

13

http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/310352663765?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&adtype=pla&crdt=0

Would this be able to release the boot?

Or this? 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Remote-Central-Locking-Car-Alarm-And-Immobiliser-Electric-Boot-Release-s080-/230792110196#vi-content

It says electric boot release. Could you recommend a kit that has boot release too?

Thanks,
Jiv